Apparatus for protecting a limb of a user

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for protecting a limb of a user. The apparatus includes two or more anthropometrically shaped panels. Each panel is formed from sheets that are both flexible and stable to maintain the shape of the apparatus during use without need for additional elements to hold the shape of the apparatus. The panels are connected, preferably by sewing. The apparatus is worn by the user to avoid limb injuries.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

None.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to protection devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to an apparatus forprotecting a limb of a user. The present invention is particularly, butnot exclusively, useful for protecting a limb of a user from abrasions,punctures and similar injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throughout history, man has sought to provide apparatus for protectinglimbs of bodies. The term "limb" or "limbs" generally refer to a part ormember of an animal body, including the human body, distinct from thehead. The present invention relates to an apparatus for protecting alimb of a human user which is particularly, but not exclusively, usefulfor protecting a limb of a user from abrasions, scratches, punctures,slivers, heat and cold injuries, ultraviolet and other undesirable raysof the sun, and similar injuries to a limb of a user of the apparatus(collectively, "limb injuries").

The present invention is useful for protecting a limb of a user fromlimb injuries when engaged in work in connection with trees, shrubs,bushes, hedges and other plant and tree materials, including but notlimited to pruning and grafting. The present invention also is usefulfor protecting a limb of a user from limb injuries during walking,hiking, climbing or other activities conducted in and around forested,planted mountainous and rocky environments. The present invention alsoprotects a limb from limb injuries associated with installing andmaintaining metal, wood, and other materials, including but not limitedto barbed wire, razor wire, and fence posts.

Unlike currently available apparatus for protecting limbs, the presentinvention has the remarkable feature of remaining in a substantiallystable configuration when worn and used by the user. The term "stableconfiguration" refers to the ability of the apparatus to retain and holdits original shape when installed on a limb, and remain in thatsubstantially stable configuration during use. Unlike other protectiveapparatus for limbs, the anthropometrically formed structure of thepresent invention will not fall, droop, or sag when installed on a limb,yet does not require additional structural elements to hold theapparatus in a substantially stable configuration. Currently availableapparatus for protecting a limb often require metal or plastic snapfasteners, elastic strips, and similar additional elements to maintain asubstantially stable configuration.

Available apparatus for protecting a limb also require use of heavyplastic materials, Plexiglas, Fiberglass, metal and similar materials,either alone or in conjunction with other materials, to enhance the limbinjuries protection capabilities of the apparatus.

What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus for protecting a limb fromlimb injuries during use.

Also needed is an apparatus for protecting a limb of a user that retainsa substantially stable configuration when worn and used by the user. Ananthropometrically shaped apparatus for protecting a limb is needed thatdoes not fall, droop, or sag when installed on a limb without requiringuse of additional structural elements to hold the apparatus in asubstantially stable configuration. In addition, an apparatus is neededfor protecting a limb of a user from limb injuries that does not requireuse of metal or plastic snap fasteners, elastic strips, and the like, tomaintain a substantially stable configuration of the apparatus, or toprovide protection against limb injuries.

What also is needed is an apparatus for protecting a limb of a user thatdoes not require use of heavy plastic materials, Plexiglas, andFiberglass, or other materials to achieve protection of the user fromlimb injuries.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an apparatus for protecting a limb from limb injuries duringuse.

It also is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor protecting a limb of a user which retains a substantially stableconfiguration when worn and used by the user.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus that does not fall, droop, or sag when installed on a limb ofa user, without using additional elements to hold the apparatus in asubstantially stable configuration.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor protecting a limb of a user from limb injuries that does not requireuse of metal, plastic or other materials in components of the apparatusto provide protection from limb injuries or to hold the apparatus in asubstantially stable configuration.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor protecting a limb of a user, and a method for making an apparatusfor protecting a limb of a user which respectively are easy to use andto practice, and which are cost effective for their intended purposes.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of such an apparatusfor protecting a limb of a user will become apparent to those skilled inthe art when read in conjunction with the accompanying followingdetailed description, drawing figures, and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THF INVENTION

An apparatus for protecting a limb of a user, according to the presentinvention, includes two or more anthropometrically formed panels. Theterm "anthropometrically" means that each panel is shaped substantiallyto the general size and proportion of a human limb to be protected bythe apparatus. Each panel is formed of one or more sheets of materialselected not only for the quality of the material to protect againstlimb injuries, but also for the capacity of the material to providecomfort to the user, and to hold shape and maintain a substantiallystable configuration when installed on the limb of a user without theneed for any other components, elements or structural enhancements toassist in maintaining the substantially stable configuration.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the two or morepanels is constructed of a single sheet of material capable ofmaintaining a substantially stable configuration during use by a user.In that embodiment, the apparatus does not fall, droop, or sag wheninstalled on a limb of a user, and retains a substantially stableconfiguration without using additional mechanical elements or materialto hold the apparatus in a substantially stable configuration.

In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the two or morepanels is formed of an outer sheet and a sheet comprising an inner pad.The term "outer" means a sheet located closest to anything which maycause a limb injury to the user. The term "pad" describes a sheetproviding a cushion-like mass of material softer than the material usedfor the outer sheet for both comfort and protection of the user fromlimb injuries.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer sheet isformed of a canvas material. The term "canvas" means a closely wovencloth of hemp, flax, cotton, and similar weave used for tents, sails,and other applications. The canvas material used in making the presentinvention ranges between 10 and 24 ounces in weight and strength. In thepreferred embodiment, the weight of the canvas material is approximately18 ounces. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the innerpad is formed of duck material. The term "duck" material means aplain-weave cotton fabric often used for making tents, clothing, bags,and similar items and available in various weights. The duck materialused in making the present invention ranges between 6 and 18 ounces inweight and strength. In the preferred embodiment, the weight of the duckmaterial is preferably 10 ounces.

The one or more panels of the present invention also may include one ormore sheets constructed of metalized material such as cloth, paper,cardboard and other material that has been coated on the side closest tosources of potential limb injuries with one or more layers of metal.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer sheetprovides protection from limb injuries. The outer sheet also contributesto providing the present invention with a substantially stableconfiguration during use. The outer sheet contributes to the presentinvention not falling, drooping, or sagging when installed on a limbwithout requiring use of additional components or elements to retain asubstantially stable configuration.

The inner pad contributes to the protection afforded by the presentinvention against limb injuries. The inner pad also provides comfort andadditional protection from limb injuries. The inner pad also contributesto the overall flexible rigidity of the apparatus for protecting a limbof a user, providing an apparatus that maintains a substantially stableconfiguration when worn and used by the user.

Each of the two or more panels is shaped to have a lower edge, an upperedge, and opposed side edges. For an embodiment of the invention used ona limb such as an arm or leg, the "lower" edge is substantially incontact with a wrist or ankle of a user, and the "upper edge" issubstantially in contact with biceps and triceps, or with quadriceps,respectively. On connecting the two or more panels to form theapparatus, the lower edge of each of the two or more panels define acircumferential lower opening in the apparatus through which,respectively, a wrist or ankle protrudes. The lower circumferentialopening is dimensionally smaller than the upper circumferential openingformed on assembly of the two or more panels. The differences in size ofthe lower and upper circumferential openings contribute to theanthropometric shape and configuration of the present invention.

The opposed side edges of the two or more panels are connected to formthe present invention. Connection may be achieved by any number ofmethods known to those skilled in the art. For example, but not oflimitation, the opposed edges of the two or more panels may be connectedby sewing. The opposed edges of the two or more panels also may beconnected by electronic welding or by gluing.

The present invention also may be formed with an exterior surface and aninterior surface. To help secure an apparatus for protecting a limb of auser more tightly around a portion of a limb, a strap may be attached tothe exterior surface of the first panel adjacent the lower edge of thefirst panel. Further, any number of devices well known in the art may beused to attach the strap attached to the exterior surface of the firstpanel to outer edge of the second panel. For example, but not oflimitation, a Velcro® element may be attached to the exterior surface ofthe second panel adjacent the lower edge of the second panel forsecuring the lower edges of the panels to the limb of a user with aVelcro® clement on the strap.

The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of theinvention to better understand the detailed description which follows,and to better understand the contribution of the present invention tothe art. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited inapplication to the details of construction, and to the arrangements ofthe components, provided in the following description or drawingfigures. The invention is capable of other embodiments, and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology andterminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of descriptionsand should not be regarded as limiting.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on whichthis disclosure is based may be readily used as a basis for designingother structures, cooperations of structure, methods, and systems forcarrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims,therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent theequivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

The abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended todefine the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended tobe limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself, both asto structure and operation, are best understood from the accompanyingdrawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description ofthe drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for protecting a limb of auser, shown in an operative environment;

FIG. 2 perspective view of the two or more panels;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for protecting a limb of auser; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anapparatus for protecting a limb of a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an apparatus for protecting a limb of auser is shown and generally designated 10. As shown most clearly inFIGS. 2 and 3, apparatus 10 includes two or more anthropometricallyformed panels 12a,b. Each of the two or more panels 12a and 12b isformed of one or more outer sheets 14a and 14b as shown in FIG. 2. Outersheets 14a and 14b are selected in part for the ability of outer sheets14a and 14b to protect against limb injuries and to hold shape andmaintain a substantially stable configuration when installed on the limbof a user without the need for any other components, elements orstructural enhancements to assist in maintaining the substantiallystable configuration.

As shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferredembodiment of apparatus 10 according to the present invention, each ofthe two or more panels 12a and 12b is formed of outer sheet 14a and 14b,and an inner pad 16a and 16b. Outer sheets 14a and 14b are positionedaway from the user's body in proximity to anything that might cause alimb injury to the user. Inner pads 16a and 16b are formed from materialproviding a cushion-like mass of material softer than the material usedfor sheets 14a and 14b, for both comfort and protection of the user fromlimb injuries.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, outer sheets 14a and14b are formed of a canvas material shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 incross-hatch 18. Canvas material 18 used in apparatus 10 ranges between 8and 24 ounces in weight and strength. Canvas material 18 is preferablyapproximately 18 ounces. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, inner pad 16a,b is formed of duck material. Duck material isa plain-weave cotton fabric available in various weights. Duck materialas shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is preferably approximately 10 ounces.

Inner pad 16 contributes to the protection afforded by apparatus 10against limb injuries. Inner pad 16 also provides for comfort to theuser of apparatus 10. Inner pad 16 also contributes to theanthropometric shape retention of apparatus 10 when worn and used by theuser.

As further shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2 and 3, two or morepanels 12 are shaped to have a lower edge 20a,b, an upper edge 22a,b,and opposed side edges 24a,b,c,d. Lower edges 20a,b are shorter thanupper edged 22a,b. For an embodiment of the invention used on a limbsuch as an arm or leg, lower edges 20a,b are substantially in contactwith a wrist or ankle of a user, and upper edge 22a,b is substantiallyin contact with biceps and triceps, or with quadriceps, respectively. Asshown best in FIG. 3, following connection of panel 12a and panel 12b toform apparatus 10, lower edge 20 of each of two or more panels 12a,bdefines a substantially circumferential lower opening 26 in apparatus 10through which, respectively, a wrist or ankle protrudes. Followingconnection of panel 12a and panel 12b to form apparatus 10, upper edge22 of each of two or more panels 12 define a substantiallycircumferential upper opening 28 (not shown) in apparatus 10 throughwhich, respectively, an upper arm or leg of a user may protrude. Lowercircumferential opening 26 is dimensionally smaller than uppercircumferential opening 28, contributing to the anthropometric shape andconfiguration of the present invention.

Opposed side edges 24a,b,c,d of two or more panels 12, as shown in FIG.3, are connected to form apparatus 10. Connection may be achieved by anynumber of methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, butnot of limitation, opposed side edges 24a,b,c,d of two or more panels 12may be connected by sewing or stitching. Opposed edges 24a,b,c,d of twoor more panels 12 also may be connected by electronic welding or glue.Outer sheet 14a having lower edge 20a, upper edge 22a, opposed sideedges 24a and 24c is placed adjacent inner pad 16a. Outer sheet 14bhaving lower edge 20b, upper edge 22b, opposed side edge 24c, andopposed side edges 24b and 24d are placed adjacent to inner pad 16b.Outer sheet 14a and inner pad 16a are connected to outer sheet 14b andinner pad 16b by connecting opposed side edge 24a to opposed side edge24b, and by connecting opposed side edge 24c to opposed side edge 24d.Connection may be achieved by any number of methods known to thoseskilled in the art including but not limited to sewing, as shown bydotted lines 30 on FIG. 3.

As further shown in FIG. 3, to secure apparatus 10 more tightly around alimb to be protected, as best shown in FIG. 1, a strap 32 may beattached to outer sheet 14a of panel 12a adjacent to lower edge 20a.Further, any number of devices well known in the art may be used toattach strap 32 to outer sheet 14a of panel 12a, including but notlimited to sewing. A Velcro® element 34 which may be attached to outersheet 14b of panel 12b adjacent to lower edge 20b and to strap 32 tosecure apparatus 10 to a limb of a user.

As shown in FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of apparatus 10 forprotecting a limb of a user is anthropometrically formed to protect anarm of a user. Yet another embodiment of apparatus 10 according to thepresent invention is formed to protect a leg of a user, as shown in FIG.4.

While the apparatus for protecting a limb of a user shown in theaccompanying drawing figures includes at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, it is merely one embodiment of the invention, is notintended to be exclusive, and is not a limitation of the presentinvention.

The apparatus for protecting a limb of a user as shown and disclosed indetail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects andproviding the advantages stated, this disclosure is merely illustrativeof the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and nolimitations are intended in connection with the details of construction,design or composition other than as provided and described in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for protecting the arm of a user,comprising:at least two anthropometrically formed panels having an outersheet formed of canvas and an inner pad formed of cotton duckcoextensive with the outer sheet; and means for connecting the at leasttwo panels to form the apparatus.
 2. An apparatus for protecting the armof a user as defined in claim 1, wherein the connecting means is sewing.3. An apparatus for protecting the arm of a user, comprising:at leasttwo panels having an outer sheet formed of canvas or metalized materialand an inner pad coextensive with the outer sheet, and wherein the atleast two panels has a lower edge, an upper edge, and opposed sideedges; and means for connecting the opposed side edges of the panels byelectronic welding to form a substantially stable configuration of theapparatus.
 4. An apparatus for protecting an arm of a user as defined inclaim 3, wherein the lower edge of each of the at least two panels isshorter than the upper edge of the two or more panels.
 5. An apparatusfor protecting an arm of a user as defined in claim 3, wherein theapparatus is a substantially stable configuration.
 6. An apparatus forprotecting an arm of a user as defined in claim 3, wherein the attachingmeans is electronic welding.
 7. A method for protecting the arm of auser, comprising the steps of:selecting one or more sheets; forming thesheets into at least two antropometrically shaped panels having an outersheet of canvas and an inner pad of duck material coextensive with theouter sheet, and wherein the at least two panels has a lower edge, upperedge and opposing side edges; and connecting the opposing side of the atleast two panels by sewing or electronic welding to form the apparatus.8. A method for protecting an arm of a user as defined in claim 7,wherein the selecting step includes selecting one or more sheets havingthe capability of forming at least two anthropometrically shaped panels.9. A method for protecting an arm of a user as defined in claim 7,wherein the connecting step further comprises sewing.
 10. A method forprotecting an arm of a user as defined in claim 7, wherein theconnecting step further comprises electronic welding.